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If you’re going to boost your BMW E30, you might want to consider some options before tweaking it.
BMW E30 has a way about it that pulls everybody in. Who knows how many people who didn't have an idea how to change oil suddenly found themselves to be hard-core car enthusiasts just because they had seen a sleek car with a stylish body kit parked along the road and couldn't help wanting to find its name?
This modern classic has made itself a reputation as "The Ultimate Driving Machine" ever since it came about in 1982. It was the first BMW 3 Series to have all-wheel-drive and diesel engine options with a two-door sedan and convertible body styles. Its excellent handling, timeless aesthetics, and ergonomic design promise a delightful driving experience. It comes as a surprise that despite all these remarkable qualities, the E30 is not an expensive car at all!
Unfortunately, some E30 owners spoil the grandness of this vehicle by adding the wrong modifications to it. There are tons of modification options out there, and they need to be selected carefully. For instance, putting race features on a road engine is irrelevant and doesn't improve the car. Or when it comes to the visuals, using pieces and materials that look too modern for an 80's car will mess up the aesthetics.
Here we discuss some of the best modifications to place on your E30, explaining how they benefit the vehicle. We also point out the changes we find risky to help you treat your E30 in the right way. So without further ado, let's dive into it.
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When it comes to choosing from wheel/tire combinations, there are many aspects to consider. Whatever you opt for is going to be a tradeoff, so it is vital to be aware of all the details so you can narrow down your options to what suits you best.
The center bore of E30 is 57.1, and if the ones you've chosen have a different center bore, you've got to get hub-centric spacers. The lug pattern is 4x100 MM, and it's recommended that you stick to it as any change seems to be somewhat risky than beneficial. When it comes to offsetting, try not to go above 20mm: It's too high and will cause rubbing issues, and you'll probably need spacers. As for the diameter, 15" up to 17" is fitting. But anything higher than that will likely cause trouble.
To choose the right tire/wheel combo, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to do with your car. If you're going to race, a soft rubber compound is what you should go for. If high MPG is crucial to you, an all-season plus 400AA treadwear is your best option.
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You have many options here, such as catalytic converters, free-flow headers, and removal of resonators. Regardless of what you go for, you're reducing weight and letting your car breathe better, which increases the engine's power output.
If you need to be cautious with your budget, creating a custom exhaust can sometimes be less expensive than buying a complete system. But the latter saves your time and is a lot easier since you're consulting with an aftermarket BMW specialist. In the end, it all comes down to your circumstances.
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The cold-air free-flow intake is the easiest to install and the cheapest modification out there, but it doesn't mean it comes with no complexities. Most people overlook the term "cold-air" and set up a cheap free flow filter, not realizing it sucks hot air from the engine bay. So, if you're doing this mod, make sure you block the air intake from the hot engine air. This modification seems small and simple but coupled with a chip: it's no less effective than the exhaust in letting your car breathe!
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There's this saying that E30s never die: they get faster. And that's because this vehicle is adaptable to new engines. Here is a list of more modern engines with better horsepower.
The 192 HP-powered M50B25 is very reliable and easy to plant. There is a lot to offer, but still, it's very budget-friendly. No surprise that it's the most common E30 swap among all the others.
The M52B28 comes with 193 HP and is reasonably light, solidly reliable, and easy to switch. The cost-effectiveness of this engine is also a considerable advantage.
The V8 M62B44 with an impressive 286 HP is superior in its power delivery. The engine sound is very satisfying and will turn heads on the street. The M62B44 can be a little problematic at times, yet, its performance level has been long proven.
There are also non-BMW engines that can fit the E30, such as Honda K and Chevrolet LS. Honda K20 and K24 engines offer spectacular 4-pot power and fit nicely into an E30 engine bay. The Chevrolet LS Engine comes with insane power potential and a bulky V8 noise. Some people would indeed prefer these engines but considering that they are still unusual swaps, it's logical to prioritize BMW engines over these.
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The sway bars connect the left side of the car's suspension to its right side to reduce body roll when cornering, which enhances the overall handling and suspension of the vehicle. If you happen to have an E30, make sure to install anti-sway bars on it. What’s more satisfying than driving a foreseeable car with crisp handling capacities?
We all know how excited one can get about modifications after purchasing such a legend as the BMW E30. But only those who contemplate their modification options carefully will enjoy their car to the fullest and not end up having to put up with things like oil leaks and loud sounds or more serious ones like engine issues. Those reading this are hopefully not going to be among the latter group!
Hamed is a literature student, writer, musician, and car enthusiast. His favorite topics to write about are cars, tech, and gaming. When he's not writing, he's either playing music or listening to it.